A study reveals that almost all connected bracelets or those of connected watches are contaminated with dangerous bacteria, even fatal in some cases. This concerns hundreds of millions of users.
Around the world, over hundred million people have a smartwatch or connected bracelet on their wrist. An Apple Watch SE or a Fitbit Charge 5, for instance, have one thing in common: they are seldom ever taken off. And it makes sense because they are used to read our messages, gauge our physical activity, or assess the quality of our sleep. Considering that they are waterproof, they followed us into the shower.
However, there is a cost to such promiscuity with our skin, and it is not a pretty sight. 95% of smart device wristbands, according to a study in the academic journal Advances in Infectious Diseases, are contaminated with harmful or even lethal microorganisms. The purpose of the study was to determine whether there was a connection between the bracelet's material and bacterial growth. Models made of fabric, plastic, silicone, leather, and metal (including gold and silver) were combed through.
Almost all bracelets and connected watches are contaminated with harmful bacteria.
Detail: A staphylococcus, E. coli, and possibly lethal pseudomonas are present in 85%, 60%, and 30%, respectively, of the wristbands. In either case, either can result in diseases like bloodstream infections or pneumonia. According to the study, athletes who are linked to the internet have the most microorganisms. Contrary to metal (particularly gold and silver), which have very little, silicone and plastic wristbands contain the most.
Even though the bands need to be cleaned frequently, relatively few people appear to remember, according to the manufacturers. When questioned, a regular sportswoman confesses that she hasn't cleaned her Apple Watch since she bought it in 2019, and she only does so twice a year. The discovery's researchers advise washing the bracelets frequently, especially with a disinfectant that contains ethanol because it can destroy 99.99% of bacteria in 30 seconds.
New York Post, as a source